Darkside 8 

Avery started down a small path. Tina followed a couple of steps behind her. 

“What’s going on with me?” Tina asked. 

“You’re going through The Change. Which is a nice way of saying that your human body  is dying and is transforming to your immortal one, most Halflings go through the change at age 13, if you survive you’ll be the oldest.”  Avery said. 

“What do you mean if?” Tina asked. 

“You know survival of the fittest.” Avery said. 

“Oh.” Tina said. 

“Have you gone through The Change?” Tina asked. 

“No, and I won’t. I’m not a Halfling. I am something entirely different.” Avery continued walking. 

“What are you then?” Tina asked. 

“You’ll find out soon enough.” Avery walked into a clearing two very tall and muscular guards dressed in medieval armor. The guards seemed to guard a gate to nowhere. The gate was made of iron and was held by two very large stone pillars. One of the pillars held a small wooden door about three feet tall and two feet wide. 

“Avery?” Tina was holding her chest. 

“Who dares approach?” A ominous voice called. 

“I’m just your guide. You’re the leader from now on. It’s up to you.”  Avery turned to look at Tina. Tina was scared to death. 

“I do.” She said quietly. 

“I see.” A short fat little person walked out of the wooden door. He was wearing green and blue three piece suit complete with a top hat. “And what can I do for you?’” He asked eyeing Avery. 

“We would like to pass through your gate, please.”  Tina said. 

“And who might your companion be?” He asked. 

“This is my guide, Avery.” Tina was now barely able to breath. 

“I see you’re guide has not told you the entire truth, but as I can see you are changing, so you may pass for a small price.”  He smirked.  Avery watched Tina closely. Tina looked back at Avery. 

The circle continued to chant. Alice moved her hands from Tina’s hand to her chest.

“It’s moved to her lungs.” Alice said. “Just one more stage to go.” She looked up at Bette. Bette could tell she was worried. 

“Let’s hope she gets past the gate before then.” Bette broke the circle and approached the table. 

“We don’t have any money.” Tina answered. 

“It’s not money that I want.” The man eyed Avery. 

“What sort of payment is it that you want then?” Tina asked. 

“She knows what I want.” He pointed at Avery. 

“What is it what does he want?” Tina asked. 

“Let her pass first and then I give you what you want.” Avery spoke with authority. 

“How do I know you will keep your word?” He asked. 

Avery unsheathed her sword she had been carrying on her back. 

“You dare call me a liar.” She said. Her true from revealed itself. She glowed a golden yellow, her eyes were a brilliant blue. Her muscles were more predominate. Her hair curled into waves. Her very essence oozed magic.

“No No I’m sorry. I did not recognize you. Please you may both pass.” The man cowered. 

Avery waltzed past him. Tina confused as ever followed. The iron gates swung open own there own. They passed through the gates. The gates swung closed. The little man ran up to the gates and watched them. 

“Good Luck. You’re going to need it with what awaits you!” He yelled.